All-on-6 is a full-arch restoration technique that uses six dental implants to support a complete set of prosthetic teeth. Understanding the treatment.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-06
8 min read
Ready to explore your options in Istanbul?
Connect with our coordination team for a personalised treatment plan, verified provider matching, and travel logistics support.
Content is educational and planning-oriented. It does not replace diagnosis, treatment, or personalized medical advice from a licensed healthcare professional. Outcomes vary by individual case.
Seek AAID-credentialed providers with demonstrated All-on-6 experience—credentials matter for safety.
Smoking and diabetes increase failure risk but don't automatically disqualify you—discuss honestly with your provider.
Long-term success rates (94% at 15 years) are well-documented but vary by individual health factors.
Ask about imaging technology, surgical planning, and emergency protocols before committing.
International patients should confirm visit requirements and aftercare coordination before booking travel.
Educational information only
This content is general education and does not replace evaluation by a licensed clinician. If you have symptoms, complications, or urgent concerns, seek in-person medical care.
Understanding All-on-6: What the Treatment Involves
All-on-6 is a full-arch restoration technique that uses six dental implants to support a complete set of prosthetic teeth. Understanding the treatment basics helps you ask the right questions during consultations.
How All-on-6 Works
The All-on-6 concept involves placing six implants in the jawbone to support a fixed full-arch prosthesis. This approach can provide a functional and aesthetic solution for patients missing all teeth in one or both arches. The treatment may be performed with immediate loading (receiving temporary teeth within 24-48 hours) or delayed loading (allowing healing time before placing the final prosthesis). Your provider should explain which approach suits your specific situation and why.
For a complete overview of dental treatment options available, visit our dental treatment options page.
What Success Rates Tell Us
Long-term clinical data provides valuable context for setting realistic expectations. A major study following 10,871 implants over 22 years found cumulative survival rates of 98.9% at 3 years, 96.8% at 10 years, and 94.0% at 15 years [S2]. Patient-level survival—accounting for patients who lost multiple implants—showed 97.4% at 3 years, 92.5% at 10 years, and 86% at 15 years.
These figures represent population averages from clinical settings. Individual outcomes depend on multiple factors including overall health, bone quality, oral hygiene maintenance, and provider expertise. Success rates cannot guarantee your personal result.
Why Provider Experience Matters
Not all dentists are thoroughly trained in implant dentistry. The American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) emphasizes that patients should seek providers who have demonstrated competence through formal credentialing processes [S1]. This includes completing written and oral examinations, submitting case reviews, and meeting continuing education requirements.
Provider experience directly affects surgical planning, implant placement precision, complication management, and long-term outcomes. Choosing a qualified provider is one of the most important decisions you'll make.
Questions to Ask About Provider Qualifications
Asking detailed questions about qualifications helps you assess whether a provider is appropriately experienced for your procedure.
Credentials and Training
Are you AAID-certified or credentialed in implant dentistry? This indicates formal training and demonstrated competence.
How many All-on-6 procedures have you performed? Experience with this specific technique matters more than general implant volume.
What is your success rate with All-on-6? Ask for outcomes data and how success is defined.
Can you provide patient references or before/after cases? Visual evidence of previous work helps verify experience.
Verification
You can verify AAID credentials through the Academy's official directory. Don't hesitate to ask for proof of certification.
Team and Technology
Who performs the surgery versus the restoration? Some providers handle both; others work with oral surgeons or periodontists.
What imaging and planning technology do you use? 3D CT scanning and digital surgical guides improve precision and safety.
What is your protocol if complications occur during surgery? Know their emergency procedures.
Materials and Prosthetics
What implant system do you use? Different brands have different track records—ask about the manufacturer and why they prefer that system.
What are the prosthetic teeth made of? Materials vary (acrylic, composite, porcelain) and affect durability, aesthetics, and cost.
What is the provenance of your implants? Ask where the implants are manufactured and whether they have FDA, CE, or equivalent regulatory clearance.
Do you use original manufacturer components or third-party alternatives? Using original components from the implant manufacturer typically ensures better fit and warranty coverage.
Questions to Ask About Your Candidacy
Your individual health factors affect treatment options and outcomes. Be thorough in discussing your medical history.
Health Factors
Am I a good candidate given my medical history? Certain conditions require additional evaluation.
How does smoking affect my treatment? Research shows smoking significantly increases failure risk—some providers require smoking cessation before treatment [S2].
How does diabetes affect my treatment? Studies indicate diabetes increases hazard ratios for implant failure—discuss your control levels with your provider [S2].
What medications am I currently taking? Certain medications may affect bone healing or implant integration—your provider should review your current prescriptions.
Health Factors
Having risk factors like smoking or diabetes doesn't automatically disqualify you from treatment. However, discussing these openly allows your provider to plan appropriately and optimize your chances of success.
Bone and Structure
Will I need bone grafting (GBR procedures)? The need for bone augmentation affects treatment timeline and costs.
What are my options if bone is insufficient? Alternatives may include zygomatic implants, shorter implants, or bone regeneration procedures.
How will you assess my bone quality? CT imaging provides detailed information about bone volume and density.
Questions About the Procedure and Recovery
Understanding the process helps you prepare mentally and practically.
Treatment Timeline
How long from consultation to final teeth? The complete process may span several months.
Immediate loading or delayed protocol? This affects how quickly you receive functional teeth.
How many appointments are required? Plan accordingly if traveling internationally.
What is the typical healing period between stages? Healing time varies by individual.
What to Expect
What are the most common complications? Research shows peri-implant mucositis occurs in about 9.4% of cases at 2-3 years, increasing to 11.9% at 8-10 years. Peri-implantitis affects approximately 2% at 2-3 years and 7.1% at 8-10 years [S2].
What does recovery look like? Initial healing typically takes 1-2 weeks; full integration may require several months.
What pain management options are available? Discuss anesthesia and post-operative comfort measures.
What dietary restrictions apply during recovery? Plan for modified eating during healing phases.
Complications
Peri-implant complications can occur even with optimal care. Regular monitoring and good oral hygiene are essential for long-term success. Ask about their protocol for identifying and managing early signs of complications.
Questions About Long-Term Care
Successful treatment requires ongoing maintenance. Understand the commitment before proceeding.
Maintenance Requirements
What oral hygiene is required? Daily cleaning around implants is essential.
How often are follow-up visits needed? Plan for regular professional monitoring.
What products do you recommend for implant care? Specific tools may be needed for cleaning around prosthetic teeth.
What happens if I develop peri-implantitis? Early intervention improves outcomes.
Warranty and Support
What happens if complications occur? Understand their approach to managing problems.
What is covered under warranty? Get warranty terms in writing.
What is the warranty duration for implants versus prosthesis? Different components may have different coverage periods.
How are warranty claims handled? Know the process before issues arise.
Questions for International Patients
Traveling for treatment requires additional planning. Ensure logistics are clear before committing.
Travel Coordination
How many visits are required? Some protocols require multiple trips; others can be completed in fewer visits.
How long must I stay in Istanbul for each visit? Plan flights and accommodation accordingly.
What happens if I have issues after returning home? Confirm their approach to managing complications remotely.
Do you coordinate with local dentists for ongoing care? Some providers have networks for aftercare.
Continuity of Care
What documentation will I receive? Medical records, treatment plans, and warranties should be provided.
How do I reach you if I have questions after returning home? Confirm communication channels.
What is your protocol for emergency situations? Know how to access support if problems arise.
Can you coordinate with my local dentist for routine care? Continuity between providers improves long-term outcomes.
International Patients
Before booking flights, confirm all treatment phases, expected stay duration, and aftercare arrangements. Keep all documentation for follow-up with your local dentist.
Action Checklist
Use this checklist when preparing for consultations:
[ ] Research AAID-credentialed providers in your target location
[ ] Prepare complete medical history including medications and conditions
[ ] List all questions from this guide—bring written questions to every consultation
[ ] Ask to see Before/After cases of actual patients (not stock photos)
[ ] Request details on imaging technology and surgical planning approaches
[ ] Clarify total costs including all phases, materials, and potential additional procedures
[ ] Understand warranty terms and what's covered
[ ] Confirm number of visits required and expected duration in Istanbul
[ ] Ask about emergency protocols and how complications are handled
[ ] Discuss aftercare coordination with local dentists
Red Flags
Watch for providers who:
Guarantee outcomes or use "zero risk" language
Cannot provide credentials or case examples
Rush you into decisions without thorough evaluation
Cannot explain their imaging and planning approach
Have no clear protocol for aftercare or emergencies
For more guidance on dental implant procedures and options, explore our dental resources hub.
Discuss your All-on-6 questions with our team to understand your options: Start Your Plan
2.Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research. “Long term clinical performance of 10,871 dental implants with up to 22 years of follow-up: A cohort study in 4247 patients.” 2021. Accessed 2026-02-21.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8359846/
External links are provided for educational reference. Verify guidance with qualified clinicians and primary sources where appropriate.
